Automatic search and filling of grants for SMEs in the process of attracting funding
About this good practice
SMEs often have a lack of time and professional knowledge, difficulties of understanding technical and bureaucratic language while searching additional financing and business ideas. However, the business needs changes and additional funding. This became evident during the war in Ukraine, when SMEs suffered losses and damage. This requires both additional funding, as well as skills to respond quickly to the needs of the population.
To support SMEs, City Council have created an electronic document with filtered grants and a simple description of the terms of each grant. Form includes the name of the program, a brief description of the targeted use of funds, the deadline for applying, the grant amount, eligible applicants, additional information, contacts with a link to fill out the application. The form is updated as new grants become available. A link to the form is in a public app , namely in the Telegram messenger. Telegram channel is also constantly updated and replenished with new subscribers. In addition to this initiative, an automated form is being developed to analyze and improve the business ideas of SMEs in the community, sessions are held with explanations of various SME issues related to grants, taxes, business registration, changes in legislation, etc. The main stakeholders and beneficiaries of this practice are: Micro/small/medium enterprises, self-employed persons, freelancers, other business entities (current or newly established).
Resources needed
Specialists of the Voznesensk City Council personally created an automated form.
Technological, informational, organizational and communicative resources are used from the available own resources of the city council.
Therefore, the only direct costs are personnel costs.
Evidence of success
12 SMEs participated in 8 competitions out of 5 programs, such as the State program "There is work," the Grant program "Create," "Own business" from # EU4Business, Grants from IOM, Grants in support of SMEs from the Danish Refugee Council. 3 businesses received positive approval.
The additional value is in ability to simplify the search of funding for SMEs, thereby overcoming time and language barriers. This practice improves communication, accessibility and transparency.
Potential for learning or transfer
We consider this practice to be potentially interesting both for SMEs separately and for the community as a whole. As for business is going through a period of crisis. Therefore, it requires additional funding, training, organizational support and simplification of business procedures.
Also, as a result of this practice, the economic development of the community increases, a more favorable environment for doing business, creating jobs, replenishing the budget is created.
The innovative nature of the practice extends to its adaptability, as this approach can be easily transferred to other ideas.